M.I.A, Oprah and Sri Lanka
A few days ago, we reported on Dave Mathhews and his twittering for a cause: Awareness for Sri Lanka. It seems he is not the only musician worried about the brutal situation. On Tuesday, M.I.A attended the "Time 100" honorary dinner, as she was included in their list of 100 Most Influential People of 2009…
Anastasio Lobbies for Drug Courts
Trey Anastasio was on Capitol Hill this week lobbying for Drug Court funding. He told his own story, recalling how he had hit rock-bottom and, "that the police officer who stopped me at 3 am that morning really saved my life." Because of that officer, Anastasio spent 14 months in the Drug Court system, and…
Celebrities Make the Best Politicians (?)
There was a time when becoming a publicly elected official in the United States required some sort of experience, or at least accredited capabillities as determined by a vouch from a higher ranking official or masters degree. We required some sort of confidence in our candidates engendered by more than charisma and recognition based trust. It seems this is no longer a…
Dave Matthews raises awareness on Sri Lanka
Last week Dave Matthews took to twitter to raise awareness of the humanitarian crises in Sri Lanka. “Let’s see if Sri Lanka will end combat operations,” he Tweeted. “What a nightmare. If y’all don’t know what’s happening in Sri Lanka look it up.” We took Dave up on his call and put together a brief…
Relix Alive and Kickin’
We're pleased to help spread the word that Relix magazine is entering a new era, as reported today on Folio.com, the leading magazine industry news site. When rumors started flying around a few months ago that Relix might cease publication, we couldn't really believe it. Emotionally, it didn't make sense. How could there be a…
It is OK to Disconnect
RepMan, Peppercom PR co-founder Steve Cody's "take on the importance of a good reputation in a world gone mad", had a guest blogger a few days ago. Ted Birkhahn began questioning the effects of Web 2.0 on live music, specifically the jam band scene. He relayed a story about the latest Dead show he went…
Lefty Supreme Court Official May Say “Adios”
Though officially unconfirmed, it seems likely that Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter will retire at the end of June. This provides the first opening on the Supreme Court for President Obama to fill. Though appointed by former President Bush, a moderate Souter moved further and further left as his term continued. There is talk of Obama appointing…
Guilt-Free, Free Music
Wilco has released a cover of Woody Guthrie's "The Jolly Banker" for download on their website. While you can download it for free (with the stipulation that you will "make it up" to them later) there is a suggested $2 donation with every download that goes to The Woody Guthrie Foundation, a foundation devoted to…
Don’t Burn the Pig
When I read a post few days ago on Dave Matthews’ Twitter about how he had just read a CNN article regarding “a deadly strain of swine flu,” it was the first I heard of the disease. I immediately began scanning different news sites to find out more. For about four days now, swine flu…
The End of Organic Farming?
H.R. 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 has become the subject of some heated conversation among small farmers and sustainable food system advocates. The bill, if passed, would essentially establish a new government agency to oversee and regulate ‘food production facilities’ and farms. All included farms would be required to register with the…